Well, I've had some blog issues this week so this is the first post that's actually going up, but something's better than nothing! I know I''m a broken record with how often I say I'm shocked that the year is going by so quickly, but it really is crazy that it's September already! (I am so ready to get into the Halloween season, but I'm also still enjoying summer activities–it's still plenty warm, so my husband and I have been visiting the beach whenever we can, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon.) But before we can dive into September, let's talk about August.
It was a very busy month–once again–for a number of reasons, but the most fun reason was because I performed in my very first aerial performance a couple weeks ago! It was a group routine where we had some solo and partner pieces and it was an absolute blast (and if you're interested in seeing any photos/video from it, you can check some out here). I am so glad I had the opportunity to try it out and I was somehow not as paralyzingly anxious as I thought I would be. Based on this experience, I think I would definitely be open to doing another performance sometime in the future if I had the opportunity. :)
In reading news, I read some really great books in August, including The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter, which was a highly anticipated release of mine. I also finally started the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and I am so hooked it's not even funny (although the books themselves are actually really funny and I'm having a great time).
How was your August? Let me know how your month was below and what you've been reading!
# books read: 11
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl #1) by Matt Dinniman
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I had a blast with this and am now kicking myself not starting the series sooner! I've been seeing people rave about this book for so long now and I finally had a chance to and it was the best decision. I listened to the audiobook version and I can't recommend it enough--the narrator is fantastic.
The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC
Thoughts: I really loved Heather Walter's Malice duology and have been eagerly anticipating something new from her, and this did not disappoint! This time it's a dark Snow White-inspired story, which I don't think I've seen yet (?), and it was a really great journey. I can't wait for the sequel!
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a really interesting sci-fi and I loved the concepts it explored, but unfortunately it didn't work for me as much as I'd hoped. Still, I'm curious enough to read the sequel when it's out.
Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This was a really fun story that puts readers in the shoes of the villain--a villain who doesn't really remember that he's the villain--and it was such an enjoyable adventure. Rozakis' writing is full of wit and cleverness and made for a very entertaining time.
Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, Daniel Kraus
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a really immersive horror that takes a deep dive into the culture of Louisiana and explores some interesting ideas. There's also a very colorful cast of characters to keep you company.
Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl #2) by Matt Dinniman
Source: Audible | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This was a very solid sequel and just left me even more excited for the next book!
Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I liked this literary novel that explores the life of a translator and the somewhat odd events that takes place. This was a really thoughtful book and I'd definitely read more from Ledia Xhoga.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This was fascinating! For years I've seen people raving about Mary Roach and I always mentally put her books on my TBR, but I recently saw the audiobook available while scrolling through Libby and thought now was the time, and I can't believe I put her books off for so long! Her voice is so vibrant in her writing and made this somewhat morbid topic absolutely fascinating. I will definitely be diving into more books by Mary Roach in the future.
Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I enjoyed one of Giles' previous thriller/horror books, The Getaway, and thought this was another solid addition to his work. It didn't grab me quite as much, but it still had some really great messaging and explored some really thought-provoking ideas.
Killers Amidst Killers: Hunting Serial Killers Operating Under the Cloak of America's Opioid Epidemic by Billy Jensen
Source: Audible | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I have no idea how I got this book, but I saw it on my Audible account while looking for something new (maybe it was an Audible deal at some point and I grabbed it and forgot?) and decided to give it a go. It was really fascinating, and although I think the author strays around to different topics sometimes, it had really great insights into murders associated with the opioid epidemic and a whole host of issues associated with those topics.
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was really cute! I definitely see it for a slightly younger crowd than I anticipated, and I think younger me would have absolutely loved it. It's so creative and unpredictable and never gives you a moment to rest.
DNF/To-Be-Finished:
None!
Mystery Lights by Lena Valencia
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, Daniel Kraus
Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, Daniel Kraus
Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga
Posts:
Blog Memes:
Can't-Wait Wednesday:
8/7: The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry, The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk, & We Kept Her in the Cellar by W.R. Gorman
8/14: William by Mason Coile, Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker, & Evil in Me by Brom
8/21: The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart & Bitter is the Heart by Mina Hardy
8/28: Dearest by Jacquie Walters & Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
8/7: The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry, The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk, & We Kept Her in the Cellar by W.R. Gorman
8/14: William by Mason Coile, Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker, & Evil in Me by Brom
8/21: The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart & Bitter is the Heart by Mina Hardy
8/28: Dearest by Jacquie Walters & Entitlement by Rumaan Alam
